Resources for church music ministries that are educational, encouraging and spiritually stimulating are infrequently published, which is why the recent publication of Equipping the Church Choir for Ministry: A Resource for Church Music Leaders and Choir Members (AuthorHouse, 2008) by Eli Wilson, Jr. is so important, timely and worthy of mention.
The son of a Baptist preacher and pastor, Eli Wilson, Jr. (http://www.eliwilson.com) is one of few ordained ministers of music - one who is consecrated and commissioned to deliver God’s word through the gift of music. With decades of service as a minister of music, a composer, an independent recording artist, a lecturer, a clinician and worship leader, Eli’s recent publication, Equipping the Church Choir for Ministry: A Resource for Church Music Leaders and Choir Members (AuthorHouse, 2008), is priceless! As founder and CEO of Eli Wilson Ministries, Inc., (A Church Music Educational Resource Ministry) he is one of this country’s hidden treasures in not only developing rich and fruitful music ministries in houses of faith of all denominations, but he is also one of this country’s leading mentors of some of the most influential and equally unknown ministers of music of present and future generations.
Written for musicians, choir members, choir directors, music ministry leaders, pastors, clergy and seminarians, Equipping the Church Choir for Ministry: A Resource for Church Music Leaders and Choir Members offers a well-researched and well-tested treasure trove of practical applications, girded by scripture, that will assist any music ministry to be more intentional, more effective and more fruitful. The 113 pages of this important text are broken into ten thought provoking, well-researched and well-written chapters that are full of scriptural references, insightful commentary and wise gems of information gained from years of serving as a leader in the trenches of music ministry.
The first three chapters, titled, “Clarifying the Problem,” “A Theological Perspective” and “The Power and Influence of Music” are alone worth the price of the book. Chapter one offers a riveting synopsis on dysfunctional leadership initiated with the question, “How can a spiritually deficient musician lead God’s people?” (p. 3) Moving quickly to scripture to illuminate the biblical precedents for music ministry, the chapter ends by examining the question, “How are music ministry leaders trained?” Chapter two sets a path for correcting and recovering from dysfunctional leadership with the assertion that “music ministry needs a solid theological framework.” With a clear understanding of church infrastructure, Wilson posits, “the mission, the message and the ministry of the church provide an accurate theological framework of the music ministry.” Chapter three offers applicable ideology and sound theology that will help grow the power and influence of the music ministry from the spiritual seed planted in chapter two. “Music is a very powerful and influential tool. Therefore, its handlers should be accountable both to God and His people.”
The next four chapters offer lessons in distinct yet related biblical foundations as they each examine “the call to the ministry of music,” “preparation for music ministry,” “consecration” and “commissioning.” This section of the book offers intense study of the Levites and their “mystical call” to the ministry of worship. Grounded in sound exegesis, yet communicated in lay terms, these four chapters are the missing link for many music ministries that have talented practitioners eager to grow their spiritual leadership skills. Lessons on accountability, servant-leadership, the challenge of commitment, discipline and other important topics flood this section of the manuscript.
The final three chapters move the conversation into the unique settings of local church ministries offering a big picture perspective of how to understand worship as a personal (life of the leader) and communal (life of the ministry) lifestyle. In these final chapters Wilson offers helpful suggestions on the timeless challenge of pastor-music leader relationships which involve recommendations on conversations as well as in-depth suggestions on how to develop and communicate requirements and expectations. Full of practical applications on leadership development and leadership self-actualization the final chapter offers even more strategic lessons on courage, how to understand influence, the discipline of maintaining a consistent relationship with God, conflict-resolution strategies, the importance of community and an important conversation on how to maintain and protect passion within ministry.
Regardless of how small or how large your music ministry is… regardless of how traditional or how contemporary your liturgical style is… no matter how many musicians you have, how well trained your music staff is, or how seasoned your musicians and music ministry is … Equipping the Church Choir for Ministry: A Resource for Church Music Leaders and Choir Members (AuthorHouse, 2008) by Eli Wilson, Jr. will challenge you to move to the next level in ministry and in the process it will help you to create self-sustainable growth in your music and worship ministry using scripture as your guide.
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Emmett G. Price III, Ph.D. is president and founder of the Black Church Music Ministry Project. BCMMP aims to “serve, nurture and develop spiritual leaders within music ministry.” For additional information please visit http://www.BCMMP.org or contact us via email at info@BCMMP.org.
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